World Turtle Day: Taipei Animal Protection Office Urges Drivers to Slow Down to Prevent Roadkill

On World Turtle Day, the Taipei Animal Protection Office announced that it has rescued 109 turtles so far this year, with the highest numbers in Daan and Wenshan districts. As it is currently breeding season, turtles often cross roads to find nesting sites. The office urges drivers to slow down when passing through mountainous areas, parks, or riverbanks to prevent roadkill. According to the office, World Turtle Day was initiated by a US turtle rescue organization in 2000 to call for the protection of turtles and their disappearing habitats. Statistics show that turtles mainly inhabit ponds and forest edges in low-altitude mountainous areas. During the breeding season in late spring and early summer, they must cross roads to find suitable nesting sites. Eight roadkill incidents occurred in April alone. Citizens are urged to be mindful of road conditions when driving through ecological hotspots. The office also noted that common native turtle species in Taiwan, such as the yellow-margined box turtle, are protected, and individuals should not take them home to raise, as it is illegal. If you find an injured or trapped animal, please call the 24-hour animal rescue hotline at 1959 or report it via the "Taipei City Government LINE@" to assist rescue teams.